In case you didn’t know, November 1st is National Authors Day. The “holiday” originated in the US as a way to celebrate American authors. However, it’s now recognized all over the world. So, in honor of today, I’m sharing my list of the best authors currently writing.

Keep in mind, this is just my personal opinion. And, honestly, there are so many amazing authors out there that it was hard to narrow it down!

Top 10 Best Authors

Again, with so many wonderful writers out there, it was hard to pick the top 10 best authors. But here are my picks:

1. Taylor Jenkins Reid

Taylor Jenkins Reid is probably one of my favorite new authors. She published her first novel, Forever, Interrupted, in 2013 but her breakout bestseller came in 2017 with the release of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.

She writes novels in the Women’s Fiction and Historical Fiction genre.

Favorite Book: Daisy Jones and the Six

2. Jodi Picoult

Jodi Picoult is one of those writers I always get excited by. She has over 25 novels published, many of which have been on the New York Times bestseller list.

As for genre, she writes commercial fiction novels centered around family or moral dilemmas. Often, her novels include some form of legal procedures as well.

Favorite Novel: The Storyteller

3. Celeste Ng

Celeste Ng is an award-winning author. Little Fires Everywhere, her most famous novel, was adapted as a TV show starring Reese Witherspoon.

She writes literary and domestic fiction about complex family dynamics.

Favorite Novels: Little Fires Everywhere and Everything I Never Told You

4. Elin Hilderbrand

Elin Hilderbrand is known as the queen of the summer beach read. In my opinion, that title is incredibly fitting.

She has over 25 novels in total. Her novels are commercial beach-reads with an element of romance.

Oh, and they’re all set on Nantucket.

Favorite Novel: The Hotel Nantucket

5. Donna Tartt

Best Authors - Donna Tartt

Donna Tartt published her first novel, The Secret History, in 1992. Since then, she’s only written two additional books. But she managed to win the Pulitzer Prize for her 3rd book, The Goldfinch.

She writes what’s known as dark academia. And she does it better than anyone else.

Favorite Novel: The Secret History

6. Megan Abbott

Best Authors - Megan Abbott

Megan Abbott is an author and TV producer whose novel, Dare Me, is now a TV show.

She writes crime fiction in a literary style. Her novels explore the dark desires, obsessions, and friendships between women.

Favorite Novel: The End of Everything

7. Laura Hankin

Best Authors - Laura Hankin

Laura Hankin is another newer author that I’ve come to absolutely adore.

Her first novel was published in 2015. Since then, she’s written two more books, one of which is now being turned into a TV show!

As far as genre, she writes contemporary women’s fiction.

Favorite Novel: A Special Place for Women

8. Stephanie Danler

Best Authors - Stephanie Danler

Stephanie Danler’s debut novel, Sweetbitter, became a sensation when it was published in 2016. The reason? Because she managed to snag a six-figure deal for it, an almost impossible feat that led many to believe she’d gotten it due to her good looks.

But, I’ve read the book. And honestly, it was one of my all-time favorites.

Favorite Book: Sweetbitter

9. Sally Hepworth

Best Authors - Sally Hepworth

Sally Hepworth is an Australian author. She’s written a total of seven novels.

She writes domestic thrillers (which just so happen to be my favorite genre). Her books are addictive and have an un-put-downable quality to them.

Favorite Novel: The Younger Wife

10. Lucy Foley

Lucy Foley

Lucy Foley is a British author and another new-comer in the literary scene. Her first novel, was published in 2015 and since then, she’s published three best-selling books.

She writes contemporary thriller novels in the “locked-room mystery” style.
 

Favorite Novel: The Guest List

Recommended Books:

Hopefully you were able to find some new authors to add to your wish-list. To get you started, here are some books I recommend reading from my list of best authors.

Who’s on your list of Best Authors? Let me know in the comments below!

– K

2 Comments

  1. avatar

    The only author of these I’ve read is Lucy Foley and The Guest List which *I’m sorry* I wasn’t too much of a fan of! I’ve heard ENDLESS good things about TJR, still need to pick up one of her books. I didn’t know it was National Authors Day – I would have loved to write something up about my favourites as well. Claire Douglas would be on there – she’s my favourite Thriller author. I’ve also fallen in love with A.M Shine’s books recently too x

    1. avatar

      You know, I didn’t like The Guest List until about halfway through; it’s definitely a different style of mystery that takes a bit of adjusting. I actually tried reading a Claire Douglas book recently, but I couldn’t get into it so I swapped it for a different thriller. I might have to go back and try again, though.

Let me know your thoughts!

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30ish Lifestyle blogger, relationship "expert," and modern-day agony aunt.
Sometimes humorous, always honest.